The Easter story, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It represents the victory of life over death, the hope of eternal life, and the fulfillment of God‘s promises. Throughout the Bible, especially in the New Testament, various verses capture the events leading up to the crucifixion, death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus. This article explores 17 key Bible verses that tell the Easter story, providing insights into the significance of this profound event.
The Prophecy of the Resurrection
Before Jesus’ birth, the resurrection was foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Prophecies pointed to the coming Messiah and the ultimate victory over death.
1. Psalm 16:10
“For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
This verse is a prophetic statement about the resurrection. David wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, anticipating that the Messiah would not remain dead but would rise again. This passage is often referenced in the New Testament as pointing directly to Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:27).
2. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
This famous prophecy in Isaiah details the suffering servant who would bear the sins of the world. While it focuses on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, it also hints at the ultimate victory of the resurrection, as Jesus’ death would lead to the healing and restoration of humanity.
The Arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem
The story of Easter begins with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, where the stage is set for the events that lead to his death and resurrection.
3. Matthew 21:9
“And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’”
This verse marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Crowds were welcoming Him as the Messiah, though many would soon turn against Him. This moment sets the tone for the unfolding events of the Passion.
4. Luke 19:41-42
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the conditions for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.’”
Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem shows His deep sorrow for the city that would reject Him. He knew the coming events would fulfill God’s plan, but He still mourned for the consequences of their rejection.
The Last Supper
The Last Supper is a key moment in the Easter narrative. It is when Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins.
5. Matthew 26:26-28
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
In these verses, Jesus establishes the New Covenant, foreshadowing His death and the forgiveness of sins. The bread and wine symbolize His body and blood, and this moment is commemorated by Christians in the practice of communion.
6. John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
During the Last Supper, Jesus gives a new commandment to His disciples. Love becomes the defining characteristic of His followers, setting the foundation for the Christian life.
The Arrest of Jesus
After the Last Supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. It is there that He is arrested, fulfilling the Scriptures.
7. Matthew 26:47-50
“While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.’ And he came up to Jesus at once and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.”
Judas’ betrayal leads to Jesus’ arrest. This moment fulfills the prophecy of His rejection by one of His own disciples.
8. John 18:11
“Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?’”
Jesus responds to Peter’s attempt to defend Him with violence, showing His acceptance of the suffering that lay ahead. He understood that His death was part of God’s plan for salvation.
The Trial of Jesus
Jesus is taken before the religious leaders and then to the Roman authorities, where He faces accusations, mockery, and condemnation.
9. Matthew 27:11-14
“Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You have said so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?’ But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.”
In His trial before Pilate, Jesus remains silent in the face of false accusations, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7. His silence symbolizes His willingness to suffer for the sins of the world.
10. John 19:16-18
“So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.”
Jesus is condemned to die by crucifixion, a cruel and public form of execution. This moment fulfills many prophecies about the suffering Messiah.
The Crucifixion
The crucifixion of Jesus is the central act of the Easter story, where He takes the punishment for humanity’s sins upon Himself.
11. Luke 23:33-34
“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’”
Even in His pain and suffering, Jesus prays for forgiveness for those who are crucifying Him, demonstrating His profound love and mercy.
12. Matthew 27:50
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.”
With His final words, Jesus dies. This marks the moment when He fully completes His mission, offering His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
The Burial of Jesus
After His death, Jesus is buried in a tomb, and the story seems to have reached its sorrowful conclusion. However, this is not the end.
13. Matthew 27:57-60
“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.”
Jesus’ body is carefully prepared for burial, and He is laid to rest in a tomb, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9).
14. Mark 15:46
“And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”
This account further highlights the care taken in preparing Jesus’ body for burial, marking the end of His earthly life.
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Easter story reaches its pinnacle with the resurrection of Jesus, the event that changed the course of history and offers hope for all believers.
15. Matthew 28:5-6
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’”
The angel’s announcement of Jesus’ resurrection is a moment of joy and amazement. Jesus is no longer dead but alive, just as He had promised.
16. John 20:19-20
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”
After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, bringing peace and confirming His victory over death. The disciples are overjoyed to see their risen Lord.
17. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Paul explains the theological significance of the resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers, offering eternal life through Him.
Conclusion
The Easter story, from the prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection to His triumphant return from the dead, is a powerful narrative that shapes the Christian faith. The Bible verses above highlight key moments in this sacred story, showing Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection. For Christians, these verses are not just historical events; they are the foundation of hope, salvation, and eternal life.
You Might Be Interested In:
